Red Line

The "Red Line" in Namibia was a boundary, often marked in red ink on maps, that delineated the Police Zone from the northern areas inhabited by indigenous groups like the Ovambo. This boundary was established by German colonial administration in the early 20th century and continued by South Africa. It served to separate European settlement areas from African populations, restricting movement between the two zones. The Red Line was a significant feature of colonial control, limiting access for indigenous peoples to the south except as contracted laborers. While the boundary's specific lines changed over time, its purpose was to enforce segregation and control.12